How reliable and useful are social media videos about stuttering? A comprehensive evaluation of content and...

Adults who stutter (AWS) often turn to social media platforms to connect with others, exchange personal experiences and access informational content. This study aimed to assess the reliability, quality, understandability, and actionability of videos about stuttering on these platforms, evaluating them based on both content and source. The most relevant YouTube keywords related to stuttering were identified using Google Trends, and popular Instagram hashtags were determined through Later Application. Videos from the first three pages for each keyword were analyzed for YouTube, and the top 100 videos with the highest engagement for each hashtag were selected using Python for Instagram. Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) rated the videos using the Modified Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (M-DISCERN), Global Quality Score (GQS), and Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). The analysis also included the number of ratings and likes on comments. Videos created by SLTs on YouTube and Instagram are more reliable and of higher quality compared to videos on AWS and non-expert sources (p < .001). On YouTube, videos created by SLTs are superior in quality, reliability, comprehensibility compared to videos produced by other healthcare professionals (p < .001). Additionally, videos on AWS receive a greater number of positive comments compared to videos from SLTs and other healthcare professionals (p < .001). AWS should carefully consider the content and source of the videos they watch. There is a need for greater social awareness, and SLTs should be encouraged to produce high-quality content on social media platforms to ensure the dissemination of accurate and helpful information.